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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryAgency & IndustryMedia Audit

Agency & Industry

Media Audit

An independent review of an agency's media buying that checks prices, delivery, quality, and contract compliance against benchmarks.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

A media audit is an independent review of an advertiser's media buying, usually conducted by a specialist firm. It checks prices paid, delivery, inventory quality and agency contract compliance against market benchmarks. Audits help advertisers verify value, uncover hidden fees or rebates, and improve accountability and negotiating terms with their media agencies.